Introduction
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) could be identical twins. After all, the two island chains are only separated by a few miles of open ocean and share similar climates, cultures, customs, and cuisine. But they’re different enough that you should see both — especially since they’re so close to one another.
The British Virgin Islands is a British Overseas territory. At the same time, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States, meaning you will find the culture and customs of the two island groups similar but distinctive.
The Virgin Islands are divided into the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The BVI consists of about 60 islands with a total land area of about 100 square miles (259 square kilometers). The USVI consists of five separate islands — St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, Water Island, and Buck Island — with approximately 106 square miles (276 square kilometers.)
The BVI is considered part of Great Britain while the USVI is considered part of America, but they’re both Caribbean countries — meaning you’ll find similar cultures between them!
Both destinations boast breathtaking natural beauty and offer miles of white-sand Caribbean beaches, crystal clear waters, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere for vacationers.
Both destinations boast breathtaking natural beauty and offer miles of white-sand Caribbean beaches, crystal clear waters, and a relaxed, casual atmosphere for vacationers.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is an archipelago formed by more than 40 islands east of Puerto Rico. The BVI’s famous outer islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches globally—including Peter Island Resort & Spa, one of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 50 Resorts Worldwide.
Other popular destinations include Virgin Gorda (site of famed Rock Sound Beach), Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. Each island has its personality; whether it’s scuba diving or sailing with your spouse on a secluded beach that delights you both visually or hearing about where you can see wild horses roaming freely — the BVI offers something special no matter what your interests are!
The BVI comprises about 60 islands and cays, with four main islands: Tortola (the largest), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) consists of islands and cays, with four main islands: Tortola (the largest), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. These are volcanic in origin and range from flat to mountainous terrain. They are surrounded by coral reefs which make the waters around them some of the most beautiful in the world.
The USVI consists of St Thomas, St John, and St Croix — each utterly unique.
St Thomas is the most populated island and is the hub of the USVI. It’s home to many luxury resorts that have been awarded TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence for excellent service over several years. These resorts offer everything from fine dining experiences to water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, or paddle boarding off some of the best beaches in the world (Coki Beach). A popular activity on St Thomas is visiting Coral World Ocean Park. You’ll get up close with marine life like sharks, sea turtles, and tropical fish through glass-bottom boat rides or aquariums filled with colorful corals; it’s an experience you won’t forget!
St John is known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails — great spots to spend your time exploring this quiet island populated mainly by locals who have lived there their entire lives. Some travelers opt to rent a villa here to enjoy their private beachfront property without worrying about sharing space with others at one of the local hotels or resorts nearby (like Cruz Bay). Others prefer staying somewhere closer to the town where they can walk around easily without having any transportation issues!
BVI vs USVI, are similar but different.
Both the BVI and USVI are islands in the Caribbean Sea, but they have some differences that set them apart. For example, the USVI is an official territory of the United States, so it has its currency (the U.S. dollar) and American laws and customs. The BVI is a British Overseas Territory; therefore, it uses pounds as its official currency and operates under British rule.
Both islands have similar climates: warm tropical weather with average temperatures ranging from 75 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round (24 degrees Celsius). They also share many cultural similarities—both islands have English-speaking populations that celebrate holidays such as Christmas and Easter according to their Western traditions and honor local customs like Carnival or Junkanoo festivals with music, dance, and colorful costumes.
If you decide to visit either one–or both!–you’ll find plenty of natural beauty wherever you go on either island, whether white sandy beaches or green rainforests full of exotic wildlife. There’s something for everyone here!
Conclusion
So, BVI or USVI? Both are fantastic destinations for a Caribbean vacation. To decide which is best for you, think about the type of vacation you would like to have and what activities interest you most. If snorkeling is your thing, choose the BVI. If shopping till you drop makes your heart pitter-patter, head to St Thomas in the USVI.
